Smart Chef

Develop Your Various Menu Types

Depending on your type of venue, it often pays to create different menu types, for example, a main menu, drinks menu, and dessert menu. Doing this will encourage diners to spend more time browsing their options and really engage with your dishes before ordering. Plus, long lists with pages of meal options may be skimmed and seem somewhat overwhelming.

Of course, the structure will depend on the style of your restaurant. More casual dining might have all their courses on one menu. However, fine dining restaurants generally have a separate drinks and dessert menu to offer diners.

When it comes to the structure, focus on developing a logical flow according to courses. This will make it easier for your guests to find the items they’re looking for. Start with entrees and work your way up to the mains.  

An impressive drinks list often wows diners. So, it’s an idea to design a separate menu where you can highlight all the great options you have to offer.

Again, arrange this by broader categories, for example, Mocktails, Cocktails, Beers, Wines, Whiskeys, Tequilas, Gins, and so on. This way, patrons can easily peruse what you have on offer and order what they love.

Fill In Your Menu Content

Your menu plays a big part in getting diners through the door. If their first glance at the menu reveals higher prices without any apparent justification, you may be losing out on filling seats.

The workaround is to use your menu to sell the experience and quality you’re offering. For example, mention those lovely organic dish ingredients you have sourced sustainably from local farmers.

We also recommend you include a brief description and price alongside your menu items. If it makes sense, highlight the respective ingredients (and love) that go into masterfully preparing each dish.  

Notably, outline any allergens your guests need to be aware of. An easy way to do this is by using visual aids. Small symbols next to an item’s name are generally helpful. Just remember to add a key at the bottom, so your customers know each symbol's meaning!